Water in the Age of Silver: Touring Aspen's "Holden Works" - July 21

Join Aspen Historical Society, Roaring Fork Conservancy and City of Aspen Parks and Open Space to discover the largest industrial site in the history of Pitkin County: a state of the art silver processing plant known as the Holden Lixiviation Works. This silver processing plant was built on the banks of Castle Creek in 1891 by Edward Royal Holden, leading to innovative and sometimes destructive uses of water resources for hydropower and waste disposal. Explore the history, the museum, and the remnants of the “Works” (including the newly reconstructed cable derrick) to learn how one of our most precious resources, freshwater, was utilized in a different era. We'll also examine the effects of time on the riparian area along Castle Creek.

Please dress appropriately as this event will happen rain or shine. 

Please call (970) 927-1290 with questions.   Registration opens June 30, 2025.

This program is underwritten by City of Aspen Parks & Open Space and co-hosted by the Aspen Historical Society.

A detailed email identifying where to meet, etc. will be sent to you 2 days before the program.